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The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 33,910 - 78,160
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1536
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, UAE Curriculum
Typical class size 11
Introduction

The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls in Abu Dhabi is an international girls' academy (co‑educational from Pre‑K to Grade 3, all‑girls from Grade 4 onwards) serving pupils aged 3 to 18. The school delivers an English‑medium programme based on the Massachusetts Common Core standards alongside UAE Ministry of Education requirements for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Moral Education, and offers a broad Advanced Placement (AP) elective programme including AP Capstone. The academy is accredited by external bodies (CIS and NEASC) and is recognised by the College Board; it is also an Apple Distinguished School with a one‑to‑one iPad scheme for Grades 3–12 and paperless middle and high phases. Notable facilities published by the school include four science laboratories, two gyms, a large sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, outdoor athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts, digital music and green‑screen media suites, two clinics and two prayer rooms, extensive landscaped outdoor areas and multiple age‑specific buildings. The school publishes programmes to strengthen Arabic language and national identity and provides dedicated EAL and inclusion support.

Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, Al Rowdah, W15 01, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls has 1,536 pupils, typical class sizes of 11, instruction in English.

Location

The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls campus is located on Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Al Rowdah, Abu Dhabi. It sits on a single campus site that houses three buildings for Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary on shared grounds.

Stages

Early Childhood (Pre-K through Grade 1) and Elementary (Grades 2–5) on the lower campus; Secondary (Grades 6–12) on the same site.

Type

Co-educational from Pre-K through Grade 3; all-girls from Grade 4 to Grade 12.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Approximately 95% of students are Emirati; about 5% are international students. The school describes a predominantly Emirati student body with international representation.

Additional learning support

An Inclusion Team includes Learning Support teachers, assistants, school counselors and nurses. Learning support is provided based on assessed student needs to enable targeted instruction.

Country affiliation

United Arab Emirates.

Religious affiliation

Islamic ethos is embedded in the curriculum; there is no formal religious affiliation with a specific organization.

School day structure

School starts at 7:55 am. Pre-K to KG2 finish by 12:35 pm on Monday–Thursday and at 12:00 pm on Friday. Grades 1–12 finish by 2:45 pm on Monday–Thursday and at 12:00 pm on Friday.

Bus service

Emirates Transport provides SZPAG's school bus service. The annual bus fee is AED 5,000, applicable to either one-way or two-way transportation; booking opens before the new academic year and seats are secured after full payment. Buses are CCTV-monitored, with a licensed bus supervisor on each vehicle. Services run on Abu Dhabi Island only, and routes must not exceed 60 minutes.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding arrangements: No boarding is listed for SZPAG on the site. The school day is described as a daytime schedule with transport provided by Emirates Transport, but there is no residential option mentioned.

Uniform Requirement

Uniform requirement: SZPAG maintains a strict uniform policy; the official uniform is required for all grades, with details by grade level. Uniforms can be ordered online or purchased at the Globe Uniform shop on campus.

Food Options

Food options: An in-school catering service for Grades 2–12 provides grab-and-go hot and cold meals in pre-wrapped portions. Water coolers are in every classroom and students should bring a refillable bottle. Grades 2–3 may order from the student canteen delivered to homerooms, while Grades 4–12 can bring food or purchase from the canteen.

House System

House system: Not mentioned in SZPAG's published information.

Governance and Ownership

Governance and ownership: SZPAG is part of The Sheikh Zayed Private Academies (SZPA) group, which includes SZPAG and SZPAB. The group describes itself as a group of schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls ranges from AED 33,910 to AED 78,160 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fee
- A registration fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition is payable when an offer is accepted. The registration fee is applied/adjusted against the first term's charges.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term)
- Pre K: AED 33,910. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,695.50. Remaining tuition: AED 32,214.50. Three equal instalments (remaining ÷ 3): AED 10,738.17 per instalment.
- KG1 & KG2: AED 33,910. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,695.50. Remaining tuition: AED 32,214.50. Three equal instalments: AED 10,738.17 per instalment.
- Grades 1–4: AED 50,000. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,500.00. Remaining tuition: AED 47,500.00. Three equal instalments: AED 15,833.33 per instalment.
- Grades 5–6: AED 56,890. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,844.50. Remaining tuition: AED 54,045.50. Three equal instalments: AED 18,015.17 per instalment.
- Grades 7–8: AED 63,220. Registration fee (5%): AED 3,161.00. Remaining tuition: AED 60,059.00. Three equal instalments: AED 20,019.67 per instalment.
- Grade 9: AED 69,890. Registration fee (5%): AED 3,494.50. Remaining tuition: AED 66,395.50. Three equal instalments: AED 22,131.83 per instalment.
- Grades 10–12: AED 78,160. Registration fee (5%): AED 3,908.00. Remaining tuition: AED 74,252.00. Three equal instalments: AED 24,750.67 per instalment.

(Explanation of the per-term numbers: the registration fee is charged on acceptance; the remaining 95% of the annual tuition is divided into three equal instalments as the school's published payment structure indicates.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The 5% registration fee is due on acceptance of an offer. The remaining tuition balance is paid in three instalments. The school may withhold examination report cards, transfer certificates or block re-registration until outstanding fees are settled. The school follows ADEK regulations for fee collection and non-payment procedures.
- School bus bookings and seat allocation are confirmed only after full payment for transport has been received. Seats cannot be held without payment.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as a provision for this academy; no boarding fees apply. Transport is offered as a day-service (school bus).

Other costs and fees
- Uniforms: uniforms are not included in the tuition. Uniforms are available from Globe Uniform (on campus shop and online) and are a separate cost. Contact: uniform@zayedacademy.ac.ae.
- School digital device: the purchase of a digital device is compulsory for students in Grades 3–12 and this cost is not included in the tuition figures. Parents will be informed of the device cost.
- Transport: the published school bus fee for the academic year is AED 5,000 (same for one-way or two-way); the bus fee is not included in the tuition. Payment timing for bus fees is set by the school when bookings open.
- Textbooks, single-device charges, uniforms and other incidental items are not included in the annual tuition figures. Extracurricular or canteen purchases, where applicable, are additional.

Refund information and withdrawal charges
- Refund of the 5% registration advance is available only if the withdrawal form is submitted to the registrar before the start of the academic year. If a student withdraws after the academic year has started, the school charges are applied according to length of attendance in the term as follows: no-show or attendance less than 1 week — registration or re-registration fee only; attendance over 1 week up to 3 weeks in the term — one full month of tuition fees; attendance over 3 weeks up to 6 weeks — two full months of tuition fees; attendance over 6 weeks of the term — full term tuition fee.

Fee payment options
- Bank transfer: the academy publishes bank account details for fee payments. Account name: The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls. Bank: First Abu Dhabi Bank, Corniche Branch. IBAN: AE180357771001006804061. SWIFT: NBADAEAAXXX. Use the academy's accounts information when making electronic transfers.
- Transport and uniform suppliers accept payment as described by those services (transport bookings require full payment to secure a seat; uniforms are sold separately). The accounts office manages fee collection and will confirm acceptable payment methods and any required payment references.

Non-payment and consequences
- If tuition or other fees remain outstanding the academy may withhold examination report cards, transfer certificates, block re-registration on the ADEK system, and will follow ADEK guidelines and warning procedures for non-payment.
Academics

The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls teaches American Curriculum, UAE Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The school delivers the American Curriculum using the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks. It is complemented by the UAE MOE Arabic Curriculum and a one-to-one iPad program. The Massachusetts framework guides English-medium standards with a standards-based approach that emphasizes rigor, differentiation and language development. The school offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement (AP) Program to provide college-level study during high school. The program uses MAP assessments to benchmark progress, and PSAT is taken in Grade 10 with the SAT encouraged in Grade 11 as part of college admissions readiness. Graduation includes SAT and Ministerial Equivalency under UAE requirements.

Exam Results

SZPAG is designated by the College Board to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. MAP tests benchmark progress in Reading, Language, Math and Science twice a year. All Grade 10 students sit the PSAT, and students are encouraged to register for and sit the SAT in Grade 11. SAT is a graduation requirement.

Higher Education Progression

The AP program supports college-level study and higher education preparation. MAP and SAT readiness activities support college admissions preparation. Graduation includes Ministerial Equivalency aligning with UAE requirements.

Gifted and Talented

SZPA offers the SZPA Future Leaders Program as part of its leadership opportunities. The enrichment program includes an Arabi program for Arabic language skills. A Quran Program is offered as a free optional activity for Grades 1 through Grade 9. The My Identity Program promotes UAE national identity from KG to Grade 12.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls in Abu Dhabi serves students aged 3 to 19 and provides a holistic learning environment that supports each student's growth and well-being. The campus integrates wellbeing and pastoral support across all phases, with dedicated staff to assist students as they progress through the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Inclusion is part of the school's approach, with structures to support a diverse student body across its three main divisions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the medium for English-language subjects; Arabic is taught through the MOE curriculum (Arabic Studies and Moral Education). The Early Years program blends the Massachusetts State Curriculum with Arabic MOE content for Arabic instruction.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral care is embedded in each phase, with access to school counselors to support student wellbeing.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection are integral to school operation, with clear policies and procedures to ensure student safety.
Parent Experience

History

The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls opened in 2000 to provide an international education for girls while ensuring a deep understanding of culture, heritage and Islamic faith. It is part of The Sheikh Zayed Private Academies, a group that blends Emirati identity with international standards. SZPAG has CIS and NEASC accreditation and is designated by the College Board to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It has been rated Outstanding in the ADEK Irtiqaa inspection program, and in 2022-2023 was awarded an Outstanding National Identity Mark.

Community

SZPAG offers enrichment programs designed to develop character and leadership. The Arabi program strengthens Arabic language proficiency. A range of clubs includes Reading Club, Young Historian, Helping Hands, Creative Writing, Prophets' Stories, Problem-Solving Club, Recycling Club, Tilawa and Tajweed, and Speaking Classical Arabic. The campus spans three buildings on one site with extensive facilities including science laboratories, a clinic, prayer rooms, a gym, and large outdoor spaces.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls sits on a large single campus of 66,000 square meters of learning space with more than 25,000 square meters of outdoor green areas. The campus comprises three buildings to accommodate the students' ages and needs: an Early Childhood building for Pre-K to Grade 1, an Elementary building for Grades 2 to 5, and a Secondary building for Grades 6 to 12. The facilities are safe and secure and are maintained by a large team of cleaners, gardeners, security, and maintenance staff. Indoor facilities include green screen facilities and a digital music suite, supported by high‑spec IT infrastructure and a one‑to‑one iPad program. The school also provides four science laboratories, two clinics (one for elementary and one for secondary), and dedicated spaces for Arabic, drama, art, music, and technology, plus two gyms and a large sports hall.

Sports Facilities

Indoor facilities include two gyms, a large sports hall, and an indoor swimming pool. Outdoor facilities include an athletic field, a basketball court, and tennis courts, with four outdoor quads providing shaded areas.

Academic Facilities

Academic spaces include four science laboratories for hands‑on learning and experiments. There are dedicated classrooms for Arabic, drama, art, music, and technology. The IT infrastructure supports a one‑to‑one iPad program across grades, and green screen facilities plus a digital music suite support creative and technical learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

SZPAG runs a broad extra‑curricular program. Elementary ECAs (Grades 1–5) include clubs in science, math, sports, the arts, and technology, with partnership programs such as Formula 1 in Schools, Junior Duke Awards, and Unified Robotics in partnership with Unified Champion Schools. In secondary, clubs cover sports (Soccer, Basketball, Active Club, Badminton) and arts (School Show, Canva Painting, Mindful Coloring, Knitting and Crochet, Music Ensemble). Students participate in the Student Council and in programs such as First Aid and CPR, Future Leaders, and Quran and Arabic language initiatives. The program also includes External examination preparation clubs (SAT, MAP, EmSAT, AP) and enrichment opportunities; the 2023–2024 Elementary ECAs follow themes: Past, Present and Future; Self Improvement; Global Explorers.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

SZPAG delivers an American-curriculum education. Early Childhood combines the Massachusetts State Curriculum with the MOE Arabic curriculum for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Moral Education; Elementary Grades 2-5 blend Massachusetts Common Core standards with the MOE Arabic Curriculum, augmented by Talk for Writing, Dimensions Math, and NGSS. Middle School follows the Massachusetts Framework for English-medium subjects, uses Standards-Based Assessment and MAP testing twice yearly, and provides a live Schoology grade book for students and parents. High School offers College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with Ministerial Equivalency and SAT/PSAT preparation and external AP examinations.

Arts & Creative

Arts and music are part of the curriculum. Elementary Grades 2-5 include art, PE and music; Secondary offers arts-related extracurricular activities including School Show, Canva Painting, Mindful Coloring, Knitting and Crochet, and a Music Ensemble.

Cultural & Language

Arabi Program for Enhancement of the Arabic Language Skills strengthens Arabic from KG1 to Grade 12; Arabic MOE curriculum aligns with UAE standards for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Moral Education; Quran Program is a free optional activity for Grades 1–9; My Identity Program promotes UAE national identity.

Social & Hobbies

SZPAG offers a broad range of extracurricular activities. Elementary Grade 1–5 ECAs include clubs in science, math, sports, arts and technology; Secondary includes clubs in sports, arts, leadership, and other interests, along with a Student Council and the SZPA Future Leaders Program.

Community & Service

The Helping Hands program, conducted in partnership with the UAE Red Crescent, engages students in community service initiatives.

Leadership & Professional

Students develop leadership through a Student Council and the SZPA Future Leaders Program; Grade 12 includes First Aid and CPR training; the High School offers AP courses and university-prep pathways (SAT/PSAT).

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing and pastoral support are provided by homeroom teachers and the school counselor. The school runs a 1:1 iPad program to support digital learning and provides structured programs for health and safety and student welfare.
Languages

Language Provision

The Arabi Program for Enhancement of the Arabic Language Skills strengthens Arabic language from KG1 to Grade 12. It was launched under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. The program supports preserving and reinforcing Arabic in line with UAE leadership goals and aims to improve students' proficiency and confidence in using Arabic in daily life.
Reputation

Awards

Outstanding National Identity Mark (ADEK), Apple Distinguished School.

Accreditations

CIS and NEASC accreditation; College Board designation to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1. Complete the online registration form by clicking Apply now on the SZPAG admissions page. The Admissions Department will contact you within 24 hours of receipt of your inquiry. Parents can meet the Admissions team during the following hours: 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday. An Admissions Handbook is available for reference.

Step 2. Submit the completed online application with all required documents to proceed with the registration process. Required supporting documentation includes Health Record Form, Recommendation Form, copies of the student's passport, Emirates ID, parent or guardian's passport and residence visa (for non-National applicants), copies of birth certificate (attested for non-Nationals), 3 passport-size photos, immunization card, and last two years' report cards, among other items. Places cannot be offered if applications are incomplete.

Step 3. The Admissions Department will contact you to schedule your child's assessment. Assessments and interviews are conducted according to grade level, with English reading and numeracy assessments for some grades and Arabic assessments as applicable. An Admissions questionnaire may also be required, and an individual interview may be arranged for higher grades.

Step 4. Within one week of a successful assessment, an offer letter will be sent if seats are available. Offers are issued based on seat availability and the outcome of the admissions assessments. Families will be notified by phone and email.

Step 5. When the offer is accepted and the registration fee is paid, the Admissions Department will send the student's file to ADEK for review. Once ADEK confirms registration, the student is enrolled. A 5% registration fee is payable upon acceptance.

Step 6. Seat availability is grade-specific; each grade has a certain number of seats. If applications exceed seats, admissions priorities are used to determine offers.

Waitlist

Seat availability is grade-specific; each grade has a certain number of seats. If applications exceed seats, admissions priorities are used to determine offers.
School Events
The school has not added events